The Interview

Watch The Interview

"Two minds... one truth"
  • NR
  • 1998
  • 1 hr 43 min
  • 7.1  (8,699)

The Interview is an Australian thriller film released in 1998, directed by Craig Monahan and starring Hugo Weaving, Tony Martin, and Aaron Jeffery. This tension-filled drama unfolds within the confines of an interrogation room and explores themes of truth, justice, and the psychological interplay between a detective and his suspect.

The film begins on an ordinary day with the unremarkable Eddie Rodney Fleming, played by Hugo Weaving, a man whose life is suddenly turned upside down when police forcefully enter his home and arrest him, without initially providing an explanation. The audience is drawn into the mystery as they, along with Fleming, seek to understand the reasons behind his arrest. The sense of disorientation and confusion experienced by Fleming at this stage mirrors what the viewers feel, thus effectively engaging them from the opening scenes.

Fleming is taken to a police station where Detective Sergeant John Steele, portrayed by Tony Martin, takes charge of his case. Steele is a seasoned and dogged police detective, who is convinced that Fleming is not as innocent as he claims to be. Steele is joined by Detective Wayne Prior, played by Aaron Jeffery, and together they launch a calculated and intense interrogation designed to break Fleming down and unearth the truth.

From this point on, The Interview becomes a mental and emotional game of cat-and-mouse. Hugo Weaving delivers a powerful performance as the seemingly mild-mannered suspect whose life story and innocence come under scrutiny. Tony Martin's Detective Steele is relentless, often blurring the lines between lawful investigation and unethical treatment to achieve his goals. The dynamics between the two leads are at the heart of the film, as the layers of their characters' personalities are peeled back scene by scene.

As Steele and Prior employ various tactics to extract a confession, questions about the law, ethics, and the absolute nature of truth emerge. With each interrogation tactic, the tension builds, causing the audience to continually reassess what they know about each character. The tight and confined setting of the interview room creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that enhances the psychological intensity of the exchanges.

Craig Monahan's direction ensures that the pace of the film remains deliberate and engaging. He skillfully balances the narrative between the main interrogation and brief glimpses of external investigations that suggest a larger story is at play. The minimalistic setting keeps the focus squarely on the performances and the script, which is taut and well-crafted. The dialogue is sharp, often filled with ambiguity that keeps viewers questioning the truth.

The movie's cinematography works hand in hand with its plot to create a somber and oppressive mood. The camera work and lighting choices accentuate the starkness of the interrogation room, making it a character in its own right, and have a strong psychological impact on the viewer. Tight close-ups and quick cuts are used skillfully to heighten the sense of unease and to draw the audience deeper into the mental states of the characters.

Throughout the film, the viewer's sympathy oscillates between the two leads. Hugo Weaving's subtle portrayal of Eddie provides glimpses into the vulnerability and potential victimhood of his character, at times eliciting empathy from the audience. Conversely, Martin's portrayal of Steele bears the hallmark of a man profoundly committed to his quest for justice, yet his methods challenge the audience's sense of morality.

The movie also examines the implications of power imbalances within the criminal justice system, the potential for abuse of authority, and the psychological impact of being accused. These themes resonate throughout the film, making it relevant not just as a thriller, but as a commentary on broader social issues, particularly regarding the potential fallibility of law enforcement.

The score for The Interview is unobtrusive but effective, heightening the eerie and tense atmosphere without distracting from the intricacies of the plot. It complements the unfolding drama and the palpable sense of unease that permeates the film.

The Interview distinguishes itself in the thriller genre by relying less on action and more on psychological complexity. Instead of high-speed chases or violent confrontations, the film's primary focus is the probing dialogue and the subtle shifts in the balance of power between interrogator and suspect. The viewer is compelled to navigate the nuances of each character's story and to confront the disquieting notion that appearances can sometimes be deceiving.

For those who appreciate a more cerebral and character-driven approach to storytelling, The Interview offers a compelling viewing experience. It's a film that stays with audiences long after the credits roll, as they ponder the nature of truth and justice within its carefully constructed narrative.

The Interview is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.

The Interview
Description
Where to Watch The Interview
The Interview is available to watch, stream, download and on demand at The Roku Channel. Some platforms allow you to rent The Interview for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1998
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 43 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (8,699)